“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. Our society tends to regard as a sickness any mode of thought or behavior that is inconvenient for the system and this is plausible because when an individual doesn’t fit into the system it causes pain to the individual as well as problems for the system.”

Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.

The nutritionist said I should eat root vegetables.

Said if I could get down thirteen turnips a day

I would be grounded, rooted.

Said my head would not keep flying away

to where the darkness lives.

The psychic told me my heart carries too much weight.

Said for twenty dollars she’d tell me what to do.

I handed her the twenty. She said, “Stop worrying, darling.

You will find a good man soon.”

The first psycho therapist told me to spend

three hours each day sitting in a dark closet

with my eyes closed and ears plugged.

I tried it once but couldn’t stop thinking

about how gay it was to be sitting in the closet.

The yogi told me to stretch everything but the truth.

Said to focus on the out breath. Said everyone finds happiness

when they care more about what they give

than what they get.

The pharmacist said, “Lexapro, Lamicatl, Lithium, Xanax.”

The doctor said an anti-psychotic might help me

forget what the trauma said.

The trauma said, “Don’t write these poems.

Nobody wants to hear you cry

about the grief inside your bones.”

But my bones said, “Tyler Clementi jumped

from the George Washington Bridge

into the Hudson River convinced

he was entirely alone.”

My bones said, “Write the poems.

Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.” (p.97)

I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is the central dialectic of psychological trauma.

The ORDINARY RESPONSE TO ATROCITIES is to banish them from consciousness. Certain violations of the social compact are too terrible to utter aloud: this is the meaning of the word unspeakable.

Atrocities, however, refuse to be buried. Equally as powerful as the desire to deny atrocities is the conviction that denial does not work. Folk wisdom is filled with ghosts who refuse to rest in their graves until their stories are told. Murder will out. Remembering and telling the truth about terrible events are prerequisites both for the restoration of the social order and for the healing of individual victims.

The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is the central dialectic of psychological trauma. People who have survived atrocities often tell their stories in a highly emotional, contradictory, and fragmented manner that undermines their credibility and thereby serves the twin imperatives of truth-telling and secrecy. When the truth is finally recognized, survivors can begin their recovery. But far too often secrecy prevails, and the story of the traumatic event surfaces not as a verbal narrative but as a symptom.

The psychological distress symptoms of traumatized people simultaneously call attention to the existence of an unspeakable secret and deflect attention from it. This is most apparent in the way traumatized people alternate between feeling numb and reliving the event. The dialectic of trauma gives rise to complicated, sometimes uncanny alterations of consciousness, which George Orwell, one of the committed truth-tellers of our century, called “doublethink,” and which mental health professionals, searching for calm, precise language, call “dissociation.” It results in protean, dramatic, and often bizarre symptoms of hysteria which Freud recognized a century ago as disguised communications about sexual abuse in childhood. . . .

BEFRIENDING THE BODY

Trauma victims cannot recover until they become familiar with and befriend the sensations in their bodies. Being frightened means that you live in a body that is always on guard. Angry people live in angry bodies. The bodies of child-abuse victims are tense and defensive until they find a way to relax and feel safe. In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them. Physical self-awareness is the first step in releasing the tyranny of the past.

In my practice I begin the process by helping my patients to first notice and then describe the feelings in their bodies — not emotions such as anger or anxiety or fear but the physical sensations beneath the emotions: pressure, heat, muscular tension, tingling, caving in, feeling hollow, and so on. I also work on identifying the sensations associated with relaxation or pleasure. I help them become aware of their breath, their gestures and movements.

All too often, however, drugs such as Abilify, Zyprexa, and Seroquel, are prescribed instead of teaching people the skills to deal with such distressing physical reactions. Of course, medications only blunt sensations and do nothing to resolve them or transform them from toxic agents into allies.

The mind needs to be reeducated to feel physical sensations, and the body needs to be helped to tolerate and enjoy the comforts of touch. Individuals who lack emotional awareness are able, with practice, to connect their physical sensations to psychological events. Then they can slowly reconnect with themselves.

In response to threat and injury, animals, including humans, execute biologically based, non-conscious action patterns that prepare them to meet the threat and defend themselves. The very structure of trauma, including activation, dissociation and freezing are based on the evolution of survival behaviors. When threatened or injured, all animals draw from a “library” of possible responses. We orient, dodge, duck, stiffen, brace, retract, fight, flee, freeze, collapse, etc. All of these coordinated responses are somatically based- they are things that the body does to protect and defend itself. It is when these orienting and defending responses are overwhelmed that we see trauma.

The bodies of traumatized people portray “snapshots” of their unsuccessful attempts to defend themselves in the face of threat and injury. Trauma is a highly activated incomplete biological response to threat, frozen in time. For example, when we prepare to fight or to flee, muscles throughout our entire body are tensed in specific patterns of high energy readiness. When we are unable to complete the appropriate actions, we fail to discharge the tremendous energy generated by our survival preparations. This energy becomes fixed in specific patterns of neuromuscular readiness. The person then stays in a state of acute and then chronic arousal and dysfunction in the central nervous system. Traumatized people are not suffering from a disease in the normal sense of the word- they have become stuck in an aroused state. It is difficult if not impossible to function normally under these circumstances.

For Someone Awakening To The Trauma of His or Her Past:

For everything under the sun there is a time.

This is the season of your awkward harvesting,

When the pain takes you where you would rather not go,

Through the white curtain of yesterdays to a place

You had forgotten you knew from the inside out;

And a time when that bitter tree was planted

That has grown always invisibly beside you

And whose branches your awakened hands

Now long to disentangle from your heart.

You are coming to see how your looking often darkened

When you should have felt safe enough to fall toward love,

How deep down your eyes were always owned by something

That faced them through a dark fester of thorns

Converting whoever came into a further figure of the wrong;

You could only see what touched you as already torn.

Now the act of seeing begins your work of mourning.

And your memory is ready to show you everything,

Having waited all these years for you to return and know.

Only you know where the casket of pain is interred.

You will have to scrape through all the layers of covering

And according to your readiness, everything will open.

May you be blessed with a wise and compassionate guide

Who can accompany you through the fear and grief

Until your heart has wept its way to your true self.

As your tears fall over that wounded place,

May they wash away your hurt and free your heart.

May your forgiveness still the hunger of the wound

So that for the first time you can walk away from that place,

Reunited with your banished heart, now healed and freed, and feel the clear, free air bless your new face.

MHMTID’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/mhmtid

TMYCSUK’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/tmycsuk

Bazaar’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/andibazaar

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

@andibazaar (Writer)

@markjl (Co-Editor)

@yevhnx (Director of Photography)

dr @oliverschof MD (Consulting)

dr Seth Gryffenberg, MD (Consulting)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

@timotheefreimann (Photographed)

@claytonshofield (Editor/Journalist)

@scottwynne (Publicist)

@henrielf (Analyst)

@jwanconwall (Art Interior Design)

Hugo Licharre Freimann (Ass Director of Photography)

Shot at GQ’s Studios by @joseshk and Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph (Co-writer)

In appearance by “Andi Bazaar” (Writer/Model)

Thanks to, “Shawn McKenzie” (Production Team) “Emirawan Ash-Shiddiq Tendean Hertanto” (Production Team) and “Irawan Daeng Danuatmadja” (Production Team)

MHMTID In collaboration with @tmycsuk

Horizons: Vol. II was originally published in Health Management on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

“There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. Our society tends to regard as a sickness any mode of thought or behavior that is inconvenient for the system and this is plausible because when an individual doesn’t fit into the system it causes pain to the individual as well as problems for the system.”

Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we are not alone.

The nutritionist said I should eat root vegetables.

Said if I could get down thirteen turnips a day

I would be grounded, rooted.

Said my head would not keep flying away

to where the darkness lives.

The psychic told me my heart carries too much weight.

Said for twenty dollars she’d tell me what to do.

I handed her the twenty. She said, “Stop worrying, darling.

You will find a good man soon.”

The first psycho therapist told me to spend

three hours each day sitting in a dark closet

with my eyes closed and ears plugged.

I tried it once but couldn’t stop thinking

about how gay it was to be sitting in the closet.

The yogi told me to stretch everything but the truth.

Said to focus on the out breath. Said everyone finds happiness

when they care more about what they give

than what they get.

The pharmacist said, “Lexapro, Lamicatl, Lithium, Xanax.”

The doctor said an anti-psychotic might help me

forget what the trauma said.

The trauma said, “Don’t write these poems.

Nobody wants to hear you cry

about the grief inside your bones.”

But my bones said, “Tyler Clementi jumped

from the George Washington Bridge

into the Hudson River convinced

he was entirely alone.”

My bones said, “Write the poems.

Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.” (p.97)

I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is the central dialectic of psychological trauma.

The ORDINARY RESPONSE TO ATROCITIES is to banish them from consciousness. Certain violations of the social compact are too terrible to utter aloud: this is the meaning of the word unspeakable.

Atrocities, however, refuse to be buried. Equally as powerful as the desire to deny atrocities is the conviction that denial does not work. Folk wisdom is filled with ghosts who refuse to rest in their graves until their stories are told. Murder will out. Remembering and telling the truth about terrible events are prerequisites both for the restoration of the social order and for the healing of individual victims.

The conflict between the will to deny horrible events and the will to proclaim them aloud is the central dialectic of psychological trauma. People who have survived atrocities often tell their stories in a highly emotional, contradictory, and fragmented manner that undermines their credibility and thereby serves the twin imperatives of truth-telling and secrecy. When the truth is finally recognized, survivors can begin their recovery. But far too often secrecy prevails, and the story of the traumatic event surfaces not as a verbal narrative but as a symptom.

The psychological distress symptoms of traumatized people simultaneously call attention to the existence of an unspeakable secret and deflect attention from it. This is most apparent in the way traumatized people alternate between feeling numb and reliving the event. The dialectic of trauma gives rise to complicated, sometimes uncanny alterations of consciousness, which George Orwell, one of the committed truth-tellers of our century, called “doublethink,” and which mental health professionals, searching for calm, precise language, call “dissociation.” It results in protean, dramatic, and often bizarre symptoms of hysteria which Freud recognized a century ago as disguised communications about sexual abuse in childhood. . . .

BEFRIENDING THE BODY

Trauma victims cannot recover until they become familiar with and befriend the sensations in their bodies. Being frightened means that you live in a body that is always on guard. Angry people live in angry bodies. The bodies of child-abuse victims are tense and defensive until they find a way to relax and feel safe. In order to change, people need to become aware of their sensations and the way that their bodies interact with the world around them. Physical self-awareness is the first step in releasing the tyranny of the past.

In my practice I begin the process by helping my patients to first notice and then describe the feelings in their bodies — not emotions such as anger or anxiety or fear but the physical sensations beneath the emotions: pressure, heat, muscular tension, tingling, caving in, feeling hollow, and so on. I also work on identifying the sensations associated with relaxation or pleasure. I help them become aware of their breath, their gestures and movements.

All too often, however, drugs such as Abilify, Zyprexa, and Seroquel, are prescribed instead of teaching people the skills to deal with such distressing physical reactions. Of course, medications only blunt sensations and do nothing to resolve them or transform them from toxic agents into allies.

The mind needs to be reeducated to feel physical sensations, and the body needs to be helped to tolerate and enjoy the comforts of touch. Individuals who lack emotional awareness are able, with practice, to connect their physical sensations to psychological events. Then they can slowly reconnect with themselves.

In response to threat and injury, animals, including humans, execute biologically based, non-conscious action patterns that prepare them to meet the threat and defend themselves. The very structure of trauma, including activation, dissociation and freezing are based on the evolution of survival behaviors. When threatened or injured, all animals draw from a “library” of possible responses. We orient, dodge, duck, stiffen, brace, retract, fight, flee, freeze, collapse, etc. All of these coordinated responses are somatically based- they are things that the body does to protect and defend itself. It is when these orienting and defending responses are overwhelmed that we see trauma.

The bodies of traumatized people portray “snapshots” of their unsuccessful attempts to defend themselves in the face of threat and injury. Trauma is a highly activated incomplete biological response to threat, frozen in time. For example, when we prepare to fight or to flee, muscles throughout our entire body are tensed in specific patterns of high energy readiness. When we are unable to complete the appropriate actions, we fail to discharge the tremendous energy generated by our survival preparations. This energy becomes fixed in specific patterns of neuromuscular readiness. The person then stays in a state of acute and then chronic arousal and dysfunction in the central nervous system. Traumatized people are not suffering from a disease in the normal sense of the word- they have become stuck in an aroused state. It is difficult if not impossible to function normally under these circumstances.

For Someone Awakening To The Trauma of His or Her Past:

For everything under the sun there is a time.

This is the season of your awkward harvesting,

When the pain takes you where you would rather not go,

Through the white curtain of yesterdays to a place

You had forgotten you knew from the inside out;

And a time when that bitter tree was planted

That has grown always invisibly beside you

And whose branches your awakened hands

Now long to disentangle from your heart.

You are coming to see how your looking often darkened

When you should have felt safe enough to fall toward love,

How deep down your eyes were always owned by something

That faced them through a dark fester of thorns

Converting whoever came into a further figure of the wrong;

You could only see what touched you as already torn.

Now the act of seeing begins your work of mourning.

And your memory is ready to show you everything,

Having waited all these years for you to return and know.

Only you know where the casket of pain is interred.

You will have to scrape through all the layers of covering

And according to your readiness, everything will open.

May you be blessed with a wise and compassionate guide

Who can accompany you through the fear and grief

Until your heart has wept its way to your true self.

As your tears fall over that wounded place,

May they wash away your hurt and free your heart.

May your forgiveness still the hunger of the wound

So that for the first time you can walk away from that place,

Reunited with your banished heart, now healed and freed, and feel the clear, free air bless your new face.

MHMTID’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/mhmtid

TMYCSUK’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/tmycsuk

Bazaar’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/andibazaar

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

Andi Bazaar (Writer)

Mark J. Levstein (Co-Editor)

Yevhn Gertz (Director of Photography)

dr Oliver Schofield, MD (Consulting)

dr Seth Gryffen, MD (Consulting)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

Timothée Freimann schofield (Photographed)

Clayton Euridicé Schofield (Editor/Journalist)

Scott Wynné Schofield (Publicist)

Henrie Louis Friedrich (Analyst)

Jwan Hofflér Conwall (Art Interior Design)

Hugo Licharre Freimann (Ass Director of Photography)

Shot at GQ’s Studios by José Schenkkan and Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph (Co-writer)

In appearance by “Andi Bazaar” (Writer/Model)

Thanks to, “Shawn McKenzie” (Production Team) “Emirawan Ash-Shiddiq Tendean Hertanto” (Production Team) and “Irawan Daeng Danuatmadja” (Production Team)

MHMTID In collaboration with The Me: You Can’t See (TMYCSUK)

Talking about my sexuality has always made me feel like I’m going to lose people, because of that traumatic experience when I was a young kid is kind of my way of explaining the debate in my head about whether I should come out in the press as “I was terrified of what people might think of me, and how their opinion might change of me?”

10 years ago today, “The Journal” was released on May 21, 2016 written entirely by Myself and Co-wrote by Jwan Höffler Conwall

“The Journal” is a journey and era that will forever hold a very special place in my heart, so thank you for the love you’ve shown this project over the past decade and for the most beautiful and pivotal memories which I cherish them and you all more than words can say. I hope you enjoy this our 10 year anniversary capsule that we created in celebration!

I can’t believe we’re here, I also can’t explain the way that opening this vault on this chapter is like opening a scrapbook from a bookshelf in my bedroom at my parents’ house that I haven’t gone through in years.

I remember the days where each of these journals was written. This was long before I had any sense of ‘knowing what I was doing’, so every journey felt like a magical and mystical experience — I felt totally out of control, just working and gritting my teeth, hoping and trying my best to capture the feelings in my life

I still feel that way now, which is funny. I just am less stressed now because I’ve been through the process a few more times. Revisiting this journey was wild.

For 10th Years Anniversary, we decided to release a special edition of “The Journal”

There’s new art from the incredible Art of Creative Set Decorator and Production Designer (who did the original art back in the day) by Timothée Freimann schofield José Schenkkan and Mark J. Levstein

Thank you all for an absolutely insane 10 years — if you’re reading this, now you’ve been a part of it. So, thank you, really.

Love, Andi x

“Social and perceived stigma can make it hard for people who experience suicidal thoughts to talk about how they’re feeling. To reduce these barriers and encourage access to help, it is important to change the way we speak about suicide. The way we talk about suicidal ideation can encourage people to seek help, be direct when discussing suicidal ideation and have hope to get better.”

What we do has become an ancient ritual. You don’t have to write or making art anymore, you don’t have to record it, and you don’t have to bring the entire production team out and work on it.

Yet for us, the idea of optimizing what we do is a complete miss of the entire point of what compels us in the first place. We (myself, the production team, creators, writers, and every artists I know frankly) have never been looking for this work to become quicker or easier.

We were never frustrated by the randomness and magic it takes with AI. We do it for that exact reason, and without the process itself ‘nothingness’

To everyone who is gassed up about the new ways you can fake making art, by all means drive right off that cliff we’re genuinely happy to see you go. Generations coming will be engaging in the ancient ritual of writing, brainstorming, and creating as it comes to us from God.

So as we embark on this strange detour where the bad actors will willingly reveal themselves through slop, and the struggling greats will be further spread thin to make an honest living doing what they were put on Earth to do.

We (myself, the production team and frankly everyone I know) remain more dedicated than ever to reveal what comes from within. Nothing more embarrassing than considering there is a way to optimize that holy process, ‘godless whores’

Also, interesting to me how it’s mainly the out of touch shouting about following this nightmare. The creators or writers I know are genuinely uninterested in anything that doesn’t come from within.

When I was writing or created the storyboard or concept of this visual with an amazing photographers friend of mine “Yevhn Hertz & Hugo-licharré Freimann” I wanted to show you the worlds I saw in my head that served as the backdrop for making this visual.

Pretty much everything in it is a metaphor or a reference to one corner of what “Horizons” look like, for me this first look turned out to be the perfect visual representation of this project and the stories we tell in it.

No A.I. bullshit used in the making, for the concept or vizualizer and the idea were made purely by a creative human and we’re called this project cinematically pure “an art.”

There was a concept art design, an initial designs, so many discussion between our production teams, and so many professional experts who’re involved in this project. So, this entire production was purely no made by A.I.

I’m an independent amateur writer, I’m not under contract at: “a magazine, newspaper, or any publisher etc.)” — I’m not beholden to some overbearing editor/publisher. I’m certainly not whoring myself out to some big media conglomerate, this means I don’t have to sell ads or beg for airtime shit. So, fuck A.I.

I’m so thrilled beyond over excited to share that my brand new article right on the way coming this Friday. The 1 of 4 our collaboration project and I can’t believe it’s been 2 years since Oliver Schofield (From the Creator of: “The Me You Can’t See” [UK]) and I started making this journals together.

I’m deeply grateful for every piece we have made and the way we have kept challenging ourselves and growing together as collaborators and friends, sometimes painting the wall so hard, and then pushing and breaking through.

It has been such a journey since we began working on this project 2 years ago. We started on the same day that we published “We Are Warior” and “Men: In Power (Editions)” and multiple articles on this journals were made in that time.

Since then, we have searched and searched for inspirations and back to back. You’ll hear us expanding our writing and pushing into uncharted waters sonically, and most of all the sharpening and deepening of mine’s poetically. I believe this article contains absolutely the most moving and powerful work we have done together.

Beside myself with excitement that my brand new article is out tonight, this was the journey Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph and I wrote together — when we were literally cracking a wall creatively that broke through and brought everything else into focus

I’m so grateful for all the production team (especially my genius editors) who give full trust on me and put in me to help excavate these article. Thanks to all the production team who helped make this journey what it is and for sprinkling your strange magic also for insane creativity

Thank you a million times to everyone who are involved in this project. It’s here, it’s out, and it’s your — my brand new article “Horizons” is out now x

“Therapy isn’t just for broken people, your brain is an expensive machine. Instead of only thinking about anxiety and depression as mental disorders, we should expand that conversation to emotional health, mental training and proactive mental care. Your mental health is as important as your physical health, prioritize your spending in a way that reflects the importance of your mental wellbeing.”

Like physical pain, our psychological pain is an indication of something out of equilibrium, some limitation that has been exceeded and like our physical pain — our psychological pain is not necessarily always bad or even undesirable.

“When I was younger, I was surrounded by a big bunch of my male friends and we were into street sports like skateboarding and we hung out all the time and they started to get girlfriends and I wasn’t interested.”

I thought I was going through a phase, I couldn’t understand also I didn’t really wanna be interested in either gender. I was really just interested in my skateboard and hanging out like a typical kid.

I was confused, I was starting to get a bit upset about myself. I started to not eat properly, I started to lose sleep and I told one of my friends:

“I’m just not really interested in girls, I don’t know (maybe) I don’t know what’s going on with me.” and then I watched him tell all the other boys in my group and from then, they just abandoned me.

From a young age, I had to suppress my sexuality because I thought:

“I don’t know what’s going on with me but when I talk about it, I’m losing friends and I’m losing my peers.”

The term that I’m using there, they bullied me with silence is really prevalent in the fact that they didn’t bully me with words or actions or make fun of me or hit me or abuse me:

• they just abandoned me
• they left me and fell silent on me and that almost was worse, I didn’t have them to try and hang around
• they didn’t want to know me

Like I couldn’t even argue my way to a point or fight and get it out of our systems and move on, I was left to feel isolated as an adolescent. That was why I think for so many years I suppressed my sexuality, never come to terms with it.

Whenever somebody would ask me if I were gay, I’d always say no and that I was “bi” as a way to sort of cushion the blow almost. It’s a rough thing to say but I was terrified that I would lose my friends and family.

Jeff, who’s one of my best friends to this day came along at school. I was in PE one day and he could obviously tell there was something wrong, he was like :

“I heard you’re arguing with your other friends.”

(I was like) “I had a bad time with them and we had a disagreement about girls.” (and long story short, he goes): “Oh, I’m gay.” (and he’s like) “Are you?” (and I’m like) “No, I’m Bi. I don’t know what I am.” and from there, he completely gave me somebody to relate to. At that point, that was a complete savior for me:

• he was my rock
• he was my shoulder to cry on
• he help me come out to my mom
• he helped me come out to my family
• he was genuinely an angel right there when I needed him.

Jeff’s helped me all the way through until now with my sexuality, I just needed to pay homage to him, as well as paying homage to all friends out there and those who’ve stood by their friends.

Suicide is not an easy topic to discuss when mental illness is not seen as a real disease, so many people struggling with mental health rarely open up because of the stigma attached to “mental health suicide prevention.”

Its even harder to open up about suicide in churches because some people think the topic is too heavy for children and when you’re older all you get is Bible verses and how “You’re one of God’s strongest soldiers.” While you may think, “I’m praying for you,” feels like the right thing to say for people struggling, it isn’t a solution.

Thing is, we can’t afford to ignore the topic just because it’s hard to talk about, contrary to popular belief, talking about suicide does not make things worse honest, open communication can do just the opposite. It’s difficult to imagine what led a loved one, that seemed to have it all, to commit suicide. There are no clear warning signs and while there’re many factors that lead to this tragic event the one thing that remains certain is severe depression from unspoken traumatic events.

Sometimes people attempt suicide not so much because they really want to die but because they simply don’t know how to get help, suicide attempts are not a cry for attention but a cry for help. It becomes a way to demonstrate to the world just how much they are hurting.

While it might have appeared that someone had everything to live for, it probably didn’t feel that way to them. You may never know why a person committed suicide. So until mental illness is seen as physical illness of the brain the world will continue to lose beautiful people and talents.

With this said, I hope we as humans become intentional in recognizing suicide behavior and actively work on listening to people with no judgment when they open up about their suicidal thoughts.

I hope as we raise our kind children we not only teach them how to heal physically but emotionally as well and I pray to God, we are kind enough to apologize to our children when we’re wrong because the one emotional abusive trait parents have is holding power over accountability.

If you suffer from depression and anxiety, don’t let your mind deceive you. You’re beautifully and wonderfully made, you’re loved and your smile makes the world a better place .

“Therapy isn’t just for broken people, your brain is an expensive machine. Instead of only thinking about anxiety and depression as mental disorders, we should expand that conversation to emotional health, mental training and proactive mental care.”

As you grow, life doesn’t ask if you’re ready for what comes next you just need to adapt fast enough to swim when the tide hits. We develop social strategies and coping mechanisms for growing up early on, the tide of change shapes the callous hide of our emotional identity.

Many of us fail to create space in adulthood to step back and re-process our emotional identities.

• why do we think the way we do?
• why do we react the way we do?
• are the instincts we’ve developed optimal?
• are the motivations behind our instincts pure?

“we don’t live in silos, each of our lives has a multiplicity of touch-points.”

The more touch-points you have, the more time you spend learning to be presentable. You need space to be vulnerable or your self-image will be corrupted, mimetic desire warps our perspective. It’s very easy to see a warning light in your car and keep driving because whatever is wrong is not making scary noises and isn’t impacting your immediate driving experience. Likewise, we often see warning signs of sub-optimal emotional or mental output and keep driving.

“prevention is cheaper than the cure.”

Stop the car, it’s better to make time for checking your internal engine before something expensive breaks and you spin out of control, causing damage to yourself and those around you. You’ll expend far more mental energy training yourself to navigate your handicaps than you would by sitting down and solving them.

The accountability of a trained professional is best considered as a sophisticated tool for self-assessment, development, and training. Focused time for emotional development is nothing to frown at.

As good as you might be at self-diagnosing, hot-wiring, or talking to a friend that knows a few things sometimes there’s a lot to be gained by speaking with a trained mechanic.

Not everyone can afford therapy, there are many resources for mindfulness, meditation and self-reflection available for little-to-no cost online. They are great and may be enough. Simultaneously, consider the impact of a great coach.

Lebron James spends over $1.5m a year taking care of his body despite being a natural freak athlete and one of the most enduring sportspeople of all time, we should treat our emotional conditioning in the same way. Ironically Lebron also partners with Calm, a mental fitness app.

The more interconnected you are, the more mental stamina you’ll need to cope. That’s where therapy, mindfulness and meditation can help.

“Your mental health is as important as your physical health, prioritize your spending in a way that reflects the importance of your mental wellbeing.”

Growing up in a fundamentalist religion, there was an enormous amount of stigma surrounding mental health. I can’t count how often you’d hear little whispers about someone dealing with depression.

If they didn’t “snap out of it,” in what was viewed as a reasonable amount of time or god forbid — started medication for it, it was viewed as one of two things: failure to turn to God for solace through their hardships, or an intentional willingness to “wallow” in their own misery. (probably for the attention.)

Anxiety was treated similarly, maybe even worse because of Phil. 4:6 — “be anxious for nothin’” — being anxious was a direct disobedience right? Can’t have that!

Naturally, droves of congregants went undiagnosed and untreated for mental health disorders, myself included. As an adult with persistent depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, I threw myself into scripture trying desperately to alleviate the crippling symptoms and finding no relief at all despite how fervently I prayed and how much I begged God for peace.

Towards the end of my time as a Christian, the attitude started to shift amongst the church especially amongst the women. (it’s speculation, but i believe this has something to do with the prevalence of postpartum depression and anxiety.)

There was growing acknowledgement that it was chemical imbalance and or trauma that led to these mental health issues, *not* a lack of faith but still that cloud of stigma hovers overhead and shames far too many into avoiding treatment for something that is in no way their own fault.

My life has improved in uncountable ways since leaving the faith and this is one of them, I’ve done therapy and am medicated and my ability to have healthy relationships and function on a daily basis is so improved that I don’t feel like I’m even the same person I used to be. I could start an entire, very long series on the ways the church harms people and this is just one of them.

5 Reasons a Man’s Mental Health may not be what you think:

I’ve had feelings of depression for a year but there’s also been easy distractions:

• spending
• alcohol
• netflix
• books

While these suppressed my depression, I found 5 systemic blockers to my mental health that I want to share in case these are holding you back too.

1. Don’t Know How to Identify Emotions
2. Growing up, my father never showed much emotion so I didn’t either. I’ve spent 10+ years learning that my emotions should be embraced, not rejected but even with an underlying weight on my heart I didn’t have the tools to identify it.
3. How can you begin identifying your emotions? Develop your own outlets and practice:
4. meditation
5. journaling
6. therapist
7. spouse
8. friends
9. Identify where you’re comfortable sharing, do it regularly. Learning to organize and identify your feelings takes time and practice.

2. There’s no Space to Share

My partner always has stories to tell and emotions to share. She says she’s the Friday and I’m the Monday. She’s not wrong, beaking the rhythm of her sharing and me supporting for my own space can be hard but it’s critical for my wellbeing.

So how can you create space:

• force it to exist.
• no screens, no kids, eliminate distractions.
• sit for 60 minutes and share whatever is on your minds.
• the conversation may stay light or stretch for hours but the space won’t happen if you don’t ruthlessly create it together.

3. Money Feels Tight

• Sometimes I think about seeing a professional to unpack things but then I think about the bills, I think about wanting to retire sooner. So allocating budget to something without a tangible ROI feels hard.
• Yet most of us don’t think twice about signing up for:
• gym memberships
• personal trainers
• life Coaches
• food Subscriptions

“Your mental health is as important as your physical health, prioritize your spending in a way that reflects the importance of your mental wellbeing.”

4. Responsibility Overload

We recently went through 2 miscarriages, my partner was broken physically and emotionally. I took on everything at home, she needed space to rest and heal. The truth? I needed to heal too, don’t let your task list stand in the way of mental heatlh. Tough seasons are all around us. Really hard things happen to one or both of you in life but taking care of your mental selves will empower you to take care of each other too.

My advice here:

• both spouses need wellness space
• communicate constantly
• seek help if needed

5. Men are Taught to Project Strength

Looking strong and being strong aren’t the same, looking strong just involves doing the right things. Emotions can be secondary, being strong means feeling healthy. Focus your energy on improving how you feel, strength will follow. Once you’ve identified your blockers, employ these 3 quick steps to start navigating depression:

1. Know the signs:
2. fatigued
3. poor sleep
4. bad eating
5. cranky or Irritable
6. digestive problems
7. loss of Interest in things
8. feeling sad, anxious or empty
9. suicidal thoughts

2. Talk

My partner and I do regular evenings on the couch just talking about anything, she’s getting better about facilitating space for me to share but if it’s not your spouse, that’s ok too. Find someone trusted and empathetic and just start talking things out.

3. Be Patient

Many of these habits and coping mechanisms are deeply ingrained, Identifying and working through them will take teamwork and time. There are no overnight fixes to a dialogue about mental health but Men’s mental health is too important to simply ignore.

Three powerful tools for mental health:

1. Catch yourself when you’re abandoning yourself to be validated, accepted or loved by others. Redirect and ask: “What is the most self-loving thing I can do in this situation?”
2. Don’t believe everything your mind tells you, when you catch yourself in a negative thought pattern, redirect and ask: “is this true?” — if so, is it helpful to think about it?
3. Make self-forgiveness a daily practice, stop living in the past. When you catch yourself judging yourself, redirect and affirm: “i forgive my past self and i choose not to rob my present self of this moment.”
4. I hope to share more thoughts on my journey unpacking my mental health, until then:

— my dms are open, no one should experience this alone.

— you can share this with others.

— feel free to follow me on ig Andi Bazaar so we can grow in life together

MHMTID’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/mhmtid

TMYCSUK’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/tmycsuk

Bazaar’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/andibazaar

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

Andi Bazaar (Writer)

Mark J. Levstein (Co-Editor/Production Team)

Yevhn Gertz (Director of Photography/Co-writer)

dr Oliver Schofield, MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Seth Gryffen, MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

Timothée Freimann schofield (Photographed)

Clayton Euridicé Schofield (Editor/Journalist/Co-writer)

Scott Wynné Schofield (Publicist)

Henrie Louis Friedrich (Analyst)

Jwan Hofflér Conwall (Art Interior Design/Co-writer)

Hugo Licharre Freimann (Ass Director of Photography)

Shot at GQ’s Studios by José Schenkkan (Co-writer) and “Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph” (Co-writer)

In appearance by “Andi Bazaar” (Model/Writer)

Thanks to, “Shawn McKenzie” (Production Team/Co-writer), “Emmanuel Pierro Lucca” (Creative Production), “Emirawan Ash-Shiddiq Tendean” (Executive Production/Co-writer) and “Irawan Daeng Danuatmadja” (Production Team)

MHMTID In collaboration: “Titik Ruang x Suku Kata” in Associated with The Me: You Can’t See (TMYCSUK) Community

“In my life, I have given a fuck about many people and many things. I have also not given a fuck about many people and many things and like the road not taken, it was the fucks not given that made all the difference. The point isn’t to get away from the shit, the point is to find the shit you enjoy dealing with.”

No matter where you go, there’s a five-hundred-pound load of shit waiting for you and that’s perfectly fine. The point isn’t to get away from the shit, the point is to find the shit you enjoy dealing with

I started creating this article a long time ago, it began as a bunch of moments back in 2025 but then my editor in the U.K. and I just kept creating. It became evident that whatever this chapter was that I was writing about wasn’t finished, it needed to be wrapped up in one piece. It needed a beginning (Paradox: “The First Draft” with all of its questions) and an ending (“The Wisdom of Silence” with feeling the weight of those questions and everything before it and realizing you can’t take on all of those things. You have to take it one step at a time).

Do I think this is my best article? I have no idea. Is it my favorite of mine? Easily. I’ve never felt so connected to every second of it.

I feel like I got my hands a little dirty on this one. Poetically, compositionally, production wise. That was probably a reason for it slowing down the process because newsflash I don’t do anything quickly.

There was something about the way that my team and I went about making this article that felt new to me. For the most part it was two guys in a room going “is this cool?” which was so friggin fun and when we couldn’t make it cool we found the best possible people out there to help.

Thank you to everyone that has made this chapter a reality, you know who you are and I hope you know how grateful I am for you. I hope this one finds you wherever it’s supposed to.

This process has been more fulfilling and emotional than I could’ve imagined and has made me even more determined to re-record all of my journey. I hope you’ll like this first outing as much as I liked traveling back in time to recreate it.

MHMTID’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/mhmtid

TMYCSUK’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/tmycsuk

Bazaar’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/andibazaar

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

Andi Bazaar (Writer)

Mark J. Levstein (Co-Editor/Production Team)

Yevhn Gertz (Director of Photography/Co-writer)

dr Oliver Schofield MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Seth Gryffen MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

Timothée Freimann schofield (Photographed/Co-writer)

Clayton Euridicé Schofield (Editor/Journalist)

Scott Wynné Schofield (Publicist)

Henrie Louis Friedrich (Analyst)

Jwan Hofflér Conwall (Art Interior Design/Co-writer)

Hugo Licharre Freimann (Ass Director)

Shot at GQ’s Studios x MAGNA House Production by José Schenkkan (Co-writer) and “Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph” (Co-writer)

In appearance by “Andi Bazaar” (Model/Writer)

Thanks to, “Shawn McKenzie” (Production Team), “Emmanuel Pierro Lucca” (Creative Production), “Emirawan Ash-Shiddiq Tendean,” and “Irawan Daeng Danuatmadja” (Production Team)

MHMTID In collaboration: “Titik Ruang x Suku Kata” in Associated with The Me: You Can’t See (TMYCSUK) Community

In this #WorldMentalHealthWeek it is important to remember that putting our well-being first isn’t a selfish act, but one of self-preservation. The reason why I speak about mental health everyday is because everyday so many people suffer irrespective of what good or bad happens in this world.

The reason why I speak about mental health everyday is because everyday so many people suffer irrespective of what good or bad happens in this world. It tends to be forgotten most of the time unless a high profile celebrity opens up about it, then it goes back to darkness.

We can’t forget people around us who suffer, the fight for adequate mental health treatment hasn’t happened properly pretty much anywhere in this world. We have to continue bringing awareness, support and funding to make it part of mainstream healthcare even during my bad days or busiest days. I try to post something or start drafting a “poems” because there are so many people who have very few people validating them and fighting for them, that is what brings me purpose in my life and I am so lucky to be able to do this!

I’m so proud to have found myself in this team of writers across the world and I am super happy to see the article I wrote for supporting the mental health and wellbeing. It was great to collaborate with my team in the US & UK and I’m really proud of the article we wrote together, this article really fascinating and beautifully written by so many writers I admired of and if you have 10 minutes or so I highly recommend reading this. It’s a heavy enough article, this may be upsetting or triggering to some readers. It may contains several trigger warnings such as elements of abuse, violence, self-harm, explicit words, mature themes and depictions of violance, suicide and sexual preferences.

I invested over 4 months into writing with my team and distributing my energy transition into article, it felt like a self-directed course with a product to launch at the end. I present to you with gratitude, Applause: (Special Edifion) x

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

Andi Bazaar (Writer)

Mark J. Levstein (Co-Editor)

Yevhn Gertz (Director of Photography/Co-writer)

dr Oliver Schofield, MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Seth Gryffen, MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

Timothée Freimann schofield (Photographed)

Clayton Euridicé Schofield (Editor/Journalist/Co-writer)

Scott Wynné Schofield (Publicist)

Henrie Louis Friedrich (Analyst/Co-writer)

Jwan Höffler Conwall (Art Interior Design)

Hugo-licharré Freimann (Ass Director/Co-writer)

Shot at GQ’s Studios by José Schenkkan (Co-writer) and Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph

In appearance by “Andi Bazaar” (Model/Writer)

Thanks to “Shawn McKenzie” (Co-writer)

In collaboration with “The Me You Can’t See UK” (TMYCSUK) / The Me: You Can’t See

“Everyone wants to criticise someone who is taking more action than they are, they do it to deflect their own insecurities and self-doubt. Don’t let stigma of Mental Health create self-doubt and shame. Your condition is not a sign of personal weakness, seek counseling.”

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) expresses concern regarding Sen. Robin Padilla’s remarks that today’s youth are “weak.”

On its statement, the PAP emphasized that “youth mental health is not ‘weakness,’” and that it is a “public health reality that deserves dignity, compassion, and science-based understanding.”

The senator on Wednesday drew a comparison between today’s youth and his generation, lamenting that the current generation is “weak” and more prone to mental health issues due to excessive exposure to social media.

“This framing is stigmatizing and misleading, and it risks harming children, adolescents, and families who are navigating real mental-health challenges,” said the association.

We are concerned by recent public remarks from Senator Robin Padilla describing today’s young people as “weak,” as reported by different news outlets. This framing is stigmatizing and misleading, and it risks harming children, adolescents, and families who are navigating real mental-health challenges.

Equating mental illness with weakness of character is scientifically wrong and socially dangerous. Depression and other common mental-health conditions are not signs of fragility, laziness, or moral failure; rather, they are evidence-based, diagnosable health conditions shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors. Using “weakness” to describe mental illness promotes shame, discourages help-seeking, and undermines prevention and treatment efforts.

Philippine and international evidence contradict the claim that youth mental-health concerns are exaggerated or trivial. Recent nationwide survey analyses show a marked rise in depressive symptoms among Filipino youth across survey waves, along with widening sociodemographic disparities (Puyat et al., 2025). Reports from UNICEF Philippines estimate that about 1 in 8 adolescents and 1 in 17 children live with a diagnosable mental disorder, including depression and anxiety, with meaningful psychosocial impact (UNICEF Philippines, 2023).

The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies depression and anxiety among the leading contributors to disability in the Philippines (World Health Organization, 2021).

Consistent with these findings, evidence indicates that about 16.9% of Filipinos in general population samples exhibit depressive symptoms, further refuting claims that mental-health concerns are overstated (Gallemit & Mordeno, 2025).

Higher reported prevalence does not mean that today’s youth are weak; rather, it reflects improved mental-health awareness and literacy. This aligns with foundational research that shows that when mental-health literacy increases, recognition, reporting, and help-seeking increase while stigma decreases (Jorm, 2012; Kutcher et al., 2016).

WHO guidance on mental-health literacy and public-health communication likewise emphasizes that improved awareness and reduced stigma lead to greater identification and disclosure of mental-health conditions (World Health Organization, 2014; 2023).

Calling young people “weak” because they recognize and report symptoms misrepresents what the evidence shows. Greater openness about mental health reflects growing mental-health literacy and social acceptance, both of which are associated with earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Strength is not the denial of psychological suffering. Strength is recognizing distress, seeking support, and building systems of care grounded in evidence. Public discourse must firmly reject the false and damaging narrative that mental illness reflects weak character. Our children and adolescents deserve accuracy, dignity, and science-based understanding, not labels that silence them.

Filipinos also deserve governance that is factual, evidence-based, and humanitarian; leadership that communicates responsibly about health, relies on credible data, reduces stigma, and supports policies proven to protect mental well-being. Evidence informed public communication is a core component of effective public-health governance and is consistently Linked to better population outcomes and higher trust in institutions, as it involves culturally resonant, trustworthy, and evidence-based strategies to navigate complex societal challenges (Hawkins & Parkhurst, 2016; Niederdeppe et al., 2025).

We encourage every individual to seek appropriate support and qualified professional help if they, or someone they know, are experiencing signs and symptoms of mental health disorders. These may include persistent sadness or anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, ongoing stress or emotional overwhelm, changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm. Early recognition and consultation are important steps toward recovery. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a meaningful act of self-care and responsibility toward oneself and others.

The Psychological Association of the Philippines remains open to collaborating with the Senate and other relevant institutions to advance positive mental health initiatives and promote evidence-based stigma reduction efforts. We invite policymakers and government agencies to engage with us in sharing scientific knowledge, best practices, and proven strategies in public communication and intervention. Through coordinated action grounded in data and science, we can strengthen policies and programs that genuinely respond to the mental health needs of the public.

“Mental illness should never have been destigmatized. Stigma exists for a reason & has been present in every culture since the dawn of time. Stigma also does not imply dehumanization, as the Leftists who want to normalize psychopathology (abolish normality) falsely imply it does.”

I do not believe that mental illness has been destigmatized, not genuine major mental illnesses. That stigma, and the availability of services for these people, might even be worse now that everyday stresses and sub-optimal personality patterns often are labeled as “behavioral health” concerns. I think our utilization of the newer term, “behavioral health” was well-intentioned in helping people be proactive about their wellbeing. However, it’s become distorted and confused with “mental illness.”

If every norm is treated as oppression, social cohesion collapses. “Shame is uncomfortable, but so is living in a society with no guardrails. Destigmatizing care is good, abolishing standards is not.”

This is a useful distinction. I think about the weaponization of psychology, anti-bullying and accommodations a lot. It was all well meaning, it seemed like it was obviously the right thing to do. We’ve known what the road to hell was paved with for a long time, and did it anyway. So, yes. Dtigma is a social scaffolding, acting as structure and incentive that increase productive and healthy behaviour. There is nuance here though.

Stigmatization Reconsidered

This concept of the extended willpower highlight how stigma may serve as an important social technology which helps individuals and society to “scaffold” or regulate maladaptive behaviour in a way that increases the chances of success. Many people tend to use others and their opinions and judgements as an extended will which helps to constrain decisions and help to direct self control onto the appropriate course of action.

Heath clarifies:

My hypothesis is that people rely upon others, not just to provide incentives that will help them to overcome self-control problems, but also to help them avoid the cognitive failures that license them. Most people are keenly aware of what others think of them, and are highly motivated to maintain their regard. Thus fear of “what others might think” can have an important self-disciplining effect. Thus, stigma and negative social judgement can be not only seen to serve a punitive function, but rather a “social scaffolding” function whereby the stigma and the attendant social pressure allows for the weakened individual to offload the cognitive effort of self-control by sheer will, and to allow the powerful instinct to maintain the positive regard of the in-group to guide their behaviour. Thus, stigma helps people choose constructive and positive courses of action when otherwise their individual will may have failed.

Destigmatization may temporarily make things better for those who currently engage in maladaptive, harmful behaviour (because they get to avoid the stress of being stigmatized). But by removing the valuable social scaffolding which would have helped many of those people avoid the harmful behaviour and associated negative consequences, destigmatization actually increases the amount of people who suffer from the more potent harms of actual maladaptive behaviour.

Stigma and trauma basically coming together as a package. Should we make illness an identity? No. Should we add any stigma? No! That is just a weird take. We should have better care for everyone.

Leftism inverts the social stigma hierarchy: truth, beauty, chastity, competence and success are evil and insanity, weakness, ignorance, perversion, victimhood and failure are virtuous.

Stigma, social coercion has been a stabilizing force for norms and values since humans first popped up. The ADA and requirements for accomodations for mental disabilities were well intended, but the unintended consequences are massive and the growth of youth mental illness is one of them.

Stigma reduces help-seeking by 50%+ in some populations. When we pathologize rather than normalize, people suffer silently. Normalization ≠ removing diagnostics — it means removing shame from seeking treatment.

A big part of how they accomplished it, was by throwing trauma, especially with children (especially related to parental absence, which was engineered by the same people who engineered the bigger situation) and mental illness into one bucket.

A society having compassion and caring for the orphan and the widow became “there’s no such thing as crazy, everyone’s perfect” in just a handful of generations. The elimination of cruelty should have been the goal, not pretending severe mental illness is not a horrible condition that causes a lot of problems for those affected and those around them.

Addiction and mental health struggles can affect anyone. Behind every tragedy is a reminder to check on one another, listen deeply, and care without judgment. Compassion is how we change the story. Let’s break the stigma. Let’s talk. Let’s support. Let’s heal.

Carceral Sanism

Topic like this are a painful but useful case study in what we disability scholars call “carceral sanism” which is a kind of maximalist fusion of “mental health stigma” with punitive social logics. It frames visible crisis as a breach of public order, not evidence of abandonment.

Sanism names a deep, pervasive belief that ppl who appear out of control, incoherent, or in psychiatric crisis are not trustworthy, less human and fundamentally disruptive to social life. It’s a hierarchy of credibility and belonging, where visible distress = danger/contamination.

Carceral sanism is what happens when that hierarchy is organized around removal as the ultimate solution for “how to deal” with people dehumanized by sanism. The underlying assumption is that people in crisis do not belong in public space and restoring normalcy requires containment, whether through policing, forced hospitalization, or displacement.

This logic is not unique to any one side of the political spectrum. On the right it shows up as hunger for sweeps, arrests, institutionalization. On liberal/left side, it’s routed through therapy speak — “this is traumatizing,” “people deserve to feel safe,” “something must be done.”

The rhetoric is different but the argument is actually the same. In both cases, the person in crisis is cast as a crucial problem to be managed, rather than a signal of systemic failure, and never as a human in need of compassion and grace, let alone protection or dignity.

Carceral sanism does scary ideological work, training ppl to feel proximity to suffering as injury, narrowing moral attention to feelings of bystanders while absolving conditions that made scene inevitable. Once it calcifies, carceral solutions feel intuitive, or compassionate.

The durability of carceral sanism has to do with how we manage insecurity. When organized abandonment is so widespread public breakdown becomes visible. Tather than confronting that, we are told to interpret disorder as failure, crisis as deviance, proximity as trauma.

A non-carceral reading doesn’t romanticize suffering or deny that seeing distress can be unsettling. It refuses to treat that discomfort as central. It asks questions: what might this person need? Why are basic bodily needs met in public? How to respond w/ provision not removal?

Basically carceral sanism persists because it is convenient, not because it is coherent. It protects the psychic innocence of spectators to structural violence and preserves the “legitimacy” of systems producing abandonment in the first place, while positing the PIC as solution

to be continued…

References

Hawkins, B. R., & Parkhurst, J. (2016). The “good governance” of evidence in health policy.

Evidence & Policy, 12(4), 575–592.

https://doi.org/10.1332/174426415X14430058455412

Jorm, A. F. (2012). Mental health literacy: Empowering the community to take action for better mental health. American Psychologist, 67(3), 231–243.

https://doi.org/10.1037/a0025957

Kutcher, S., Wei, Y., & Coniglio, C. (2016). Mental health literacy: Past, present, and future.

Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 61(3), 154–158.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0706743715616609

Puyat, J. H., Salvador, D. L., Tuazon, A. C., & Afable, S. D. (2025). Rising prevalence of depression and widening sociodemographic disparities in depressive symptoms among Filipino youth: Findings from two large nationwide cross-sectional surveys. Cambridge Prisms: Global Mental Health, 12, Article e51.

https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2025.39

Gallemit, I.M.J.S., & Mordeno, I.G. Prevalence and risk factors of common mental health symptoms among left-behind emerging adult children amid the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Psychology 13, 644(2025).

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-02390-z

Niederdeppe, J., Boyd, A. D., King, A.J., & Rimal, R. N. (2025). Strategies for effective public health communication in a complex information environment. Annual Review of Public Health, 46(1), 411–431.

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-071723-120721

UNICEF Philippines. (2023). Child and adolescent mental health in the Philippines:

Situation report. UNICEF Philippines.

World Health Organization. (2014). Mental health: Strengthening our response. WHO

World Health Organization. (2021). Mental health investment case: Philippines. WHO Western Pacific Region.

MHMTID’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/mhmtid

TMYCSUK’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/tmycsuk

Bazaar’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/andibazaar

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

Andi Bazaar (Writer)

Mark J. Levstein (Co-Editor/Production Team)

Yevhn Gertz (Director of Photography)

dr Oliver Schofield MD (Consulting)

dr Seth Gryffen MD (Consulting)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

Timothée Freimann schofield (Photographed)

Clayton Euridicé Schofield (Editor/Journalist)

Scott Wynné Schofield (Publicist/Co-writer)

Henrie Louis Friedrich (Analyst)

Jwan Hofflér Conwall (Art Interior Design/Co-writer)

Hugo Licharre Freimann (Ass Director)

Shot at GQ’s Studios by José Schenkkan and Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph

In appearance by “Emirawan Ash-Shiddiq Tendean” (Executive Production/Co-writer)

Thanks to, “Shawn McKenzie” (Production Team), “Emmanuel Pierro Lucca Schofield” (Creative Production), and “Irawan Daeng Danuatmadja” (Production Team/Co-writer)

MHMTID in collaboration with The Me: You Can’t (TMYCSUK) Community

“Everyone wants to criticise someone who is taking more action than they are, they do it to deflect their own insecurities and self-doubt. Don’t let stigma of mental health create self-doubt and shame, you can help break the stigma around mental health. Too many young people still struggle to access the support they need, and stigma makes it even harder to speak up.”

Severe mental illness remains so deeply stigmatised in society. We can have mental health awareness days. More people can talk about depression and anxiety. But psychosis, schizophrenia, personality disorders — all remain incredibly stigmatised and this stigma results in harm.

Even with depression and anxiety, it’s very hard to talk about it when it’s severe. It’s like. you can be depressed but not too depressed. Be depressed but still function. None of that can’t shower, can’t go to work depression or can’t pick up the phone anxiety.

Society is slowly starting to acknowledge spectrum of depression severity, however sadness felt in isolation is ‘meant to pass quickly’. My private therapist holds view that ‘depression is unspent sadness’ (anger turned inward, in my experience). Not convinced, personally.

Awareness is a public health issue. I’ve had illnesses underdiagnosed for years bc of lack of awareness in health professions, and I’ve had early intervention as information becames mainstream. Awareness matters.

The Shadow of Stigma

Unraveling the Tapestry of Mental Health Across Generations, in the Digital Age, on the Streets, and in the Minds of Geniuses Mental health stigma has long been a silent adversary in human society, passed down through generations like a dark legacy, often cloaked in silence, shame, and misunderstanding.

This article explores the intricate ways in which this stigma has evolved, intertwined with intergenerational trauma, reshaped by the new generation’s obsession with social media and fake content, contributed to the growing homeless population, and how the notion of genius is both confused with and paired with mental illness.

Historical Roots and Cultural Transmission

The stigma surrounding mental health has deep cultural and historical roots, where mental illness was once seen as a sign of weakness, moral failing, or even supernatural possession. These archaic perceptions have left a legacy where mental health issues are suppressed or ignored, perpetuating stigma across generations.

In many societies, this stigma was bolstered by colonial attitudes that emphasized silence and emotional suppression as virtues, creating a fertile ground for the intergenerational transmission of trauma and stigma.

Intergenerational Trauma and the Mask of Mental Illness

Intergenerational trauma, where the pains of one generation echo into the next through biological, psychological, and social mechanisms, plays a crucial role in the perception of mental illness.

Trauma from historical events like slavery, wars, or genocide can lead to a cycle where mental health issues in descendants are seen not just as illnesses but as inherent family traits or justifications for abusive behaviors. This misattribution can hide abuse under the guise of mental illness, normalizing it within the family’s narrative. The stigma around discussing or treating mental health thus becomes a way to conceal the trauma, deepening the silence over generations.

The Cycle of Stigma and Treatment Avoidance

The fear of being labeled “crazy” remains a significant barrier to seeking treatment. This fear is magnified by intergenerational stigma, where mental illness might be seen as a personal or familial flaw. Individuals might avoid professional help, fearing not just personal judgment but also the impact on their social standing or career.

Self-stigma can lead to a personal sense of shame or failure, deterring individuals from seeking help and perpetuating untreated conditions. This avoidance can lead to a downward spiral in life circumstances, where untreated mental health issues contribute to job loss, relationship breakdown, and ultimately, homelessness.

The New Digital Frontier: Social Media’s Double-Edged Sword

The advent of social media has introduced new dynamics to the stigma surrounding mental health. On one hand, it offers unprecedented visibility and platforms for discussing mental health, potentially normalizing these conversations.

Influencers sharing personal stories of mental health struggles can encourage others to seek help, breaking the silence that has been passed down through generations. However, this visibility comes with its challenges.

Comparison and Self-Esteem:

The curated perfection of online lives can intensify feelings of inadequacy, leading to or exacerbating mental health issues. The fear of missing out (FOMO) and the pressure to maintain an impeccable online image can deter individuals from seeking help, afraid they’ll be seen as less than perfect. This can lead to social withdrawal or self-medication, behaviors that might precipitate homelessness.

Cyberbullying and Misinformation:

The anonymity of the internet can lead to cyberbullying, where individuals with mental health issues might face public shaming or ridicule if their struggles become known. Moreover, the spread of misinformation about mental health can reinforce harmful stereotypes or discourage professional help-seeking, further isolating individuals from support systems.

Self-Diagnosis Culture:

The trend of self-diagnosis through social media can lead to misunderstanding or trivializing mental health issues. While it might raise awareness, it often lacks the depth needed for true understanding, potentially delaying proper treatment, which can exacerbate conditions leading to homelessness.

Isolation vs. Connectivity:

Social media can paradoxically lead to social isolation for those struggling with mental health, as the fear of stigma or negative online interactions might make individuals less likely to engage with support communities. This isolation can be a direct path to losing social support networks and, consequently, stable housing.

The Impact on Homelessness

The stigma of mental health significantly contributes to the homeless population in several ways.

Barriers to Employment and Housing:

Stigma can result in discrimination, making it difficult for individuals with mental health issues to secure employment or stable housing. Landlords or employers might be reluctant to accept or hire someone with a known mental health condition, pushing individuals into precarious living situations.

Avoidance of Help:

The fear of being stigmatized often leads people to avoid seeking help from social services or mental health professionals, which are crucial for maintaining stable living conditions. Without intervention, mental health issues can spiral, leading to homelessness.

Criminalization of Symptomatic Behaviors:

In some cases, public or self-stigma leads to the criminalization of behaviors associated with untreated mental illness, such as public disturbances or vagrancy, further entrenching individuals in a cycle of homelessness.

Lack of Support Systems:

Stigma can alienate individuals from family and friends, severing support systems that might otherwise prevent or mitigate homelessness. The isolation can be both a cause and a consequence of living on the streets.

Genius and Mental Illness: A Tangled Narrative

The concept of genius has often been confused with or paired with mental illness, creating a complex narrative.

Historical Confusions:

From Aristotle’s aphorism that “no great genius has existed without a touch of madness” to the modern-day fascination with the “tortured artist” trope, there’s a cultural narrative that links exceptional creativity or intelligence with mental instability. This link has been both romanticized and criticized, with figures like Vincent van Gogh or Sylvia Plath often cited as examples where creativity and mental turmoil coexist.

Research Insights:

Studies have indeed shown a higher incidence of mood disorders, particularly bipolar disorder, among highly creative individuals. However, this association is nuanced; not all creative geniuses suffer from mental illness, and not all individuals with mental illnesses are geniuses. The idea that mental illness might fuel creativity is controversial, with some arguing that the unique cognitive styles associated with certain mental health conditions can lead to novel ideas and expressions.

Stigma and Genius:

The confusion between genius and mental illness can perpetuate stigma in two ways: it might romanticize mental illness, suggesting that one must suffer to create, or it can dismiss the accomplishments of those with mental health issues as products of their illness rather than their talent or hard work. This dual-edged sword further complicates the societal perception of mental health, often leading to a lack of empathy or understanding for those who are genuinely struggling.

Impact on Treatment:

For those identified as geniuses, there might be reluctance to seek treatment due to this stigma, fearing that medication or therapy might dull their creative edge. This can result in untreated conditions that might not only hamper their genius but also lead to personal suffering or societal issues like homelessness if their life spirals out of control.

Breaking the Cycle

The challenge lies in harnessing the power of social media for good while combating its negative impacts.

Education and Digital Literacy:

Educating younger generations about mental health, the reality behind online personas, and the importance of professional help is crucial. Digital literacy can help navigate the sea of information and misinformation, fostering a more supportive online environment.

Changing Narratives:

There’s a need to shift narratives from stigma to empowerment, where seeking help is seen as a strength. Campaigns, accurate content creators, and supportive online environments can play pivotal roles in destigmatizing mental health, including the narrative around genius and mental illness.

Community and Support:

Leveraging social media for genuine support networks where individuals can share, learn, and grow without fear of judgment can help in destigmatizing mental health.

Policy and Cultural Change:

Beyond individual actions, there’s a need for policy changes in healthcare, education, and workplace environments to support mental health openly, reducing the structural stigma that keeps individuals from seeking treatment. This includes housing policies that acknowledge and accommodate the needs of those with mental health issues to prevent homelessness.

Integrated Services:

Combining mental health services with housing initiatives, like Housing First programs, can directly address the consequences of stigma by providing stable environments where treatment can be more effective. In conclusion, while the threads of mental health stigma have been woven through generations, influenced by trauma, cultural silence, and misconceptions about genius, the digital age presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The new generation, with its feet in both the digital and real worlds, holds the potential to unravel these threads, crafting a new tapestry where mental health is discussed openly, treated without shame, and where genius is celebrated without the shadow of mental illness.

However, this requires a collective effort to navigate the complexities of modern life, ensuring that the digital realm becomes a space for healing rather than hiding. Addressing this stigma is not just about improving individual lives but is also crucial in tackling broader societal issues like homelessness, where the shadows of stigma have left many in the dark.

Suicide does not discriminate. It does not care about your age, race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or mental health history. It can affect anyone, at any time, in any place. That’s why suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

We have a responsibility to look out for our friends, family, colleagues, and even strangers who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. It is not enough to assume that someone is “fine” or that they will just “get over it.” We must actively listen, support, and connect them with resources that can help.

One of the most important things we can do is to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. We need to create open and safe spaces for people to talk about their struggles without fear of judgment or shame. By normalising conversations about mental health and suicide, we can help people feel more comfortable seeking help.

It is also crucial to educate ourselves on the warning signs of suicide and know how to intervene if we suspect someone is at risk. Simple acts of kindness and compassion can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling.

Suicide prevention is not just the responsibility of mental health professionals or suicide hotlines. It is a collective effort that requires all of us to be vigilant and proactive in supporting those around us. So let’s come together to break the silence, de stigmatise mental health, and show compassion and empathy to those who need it most.

Remember, suicide prevention is everyone’s business.

“We have come a long way in de-stigmatising some mental illnesses like anxiety and depression. But the stigma around schizophrenia, psychosis and personality disorders remains as high as ever. People are labelled as all sorts — ‘sick in the head’, ‘crazy’, etc and it’s not ok.”

the stigma that comes with a mentally ill person before vs after self-awareness is huge and hurtful. people would still judge you based on what you’ve done before you were self-aware that you’re mentally ill, as if who you’ve become now after a lot of self-work is worthless.

Despite the growing awareness, mental health stigma remains pervasive, especially among faith communities. Seeking help is viewed as faithlessness, not trusting God or as a result of prayerlessness. So, people hide their struggles. Feel ashamed. Refuse intervention. And disconnect from their community. Let’s normalize conversations around mental health in our religious communities.

This is such an important conversation. Faith and mental health support are not enemies — they can work hand in hand. Seeking help doesn’t mean a lack of faith; it means valuing the life and well-being God has given you. When religious communities create safe spaces to talk, listen, and support one another without judgment, people can heal without feeling isolated or ashamed.

mental health has always been real

. it’s people who will smile every single day and hurting in silence . instead of just going out with friends and family to have fun all the time , check on one another ! even a little are you okay can save someone . keep going everyone.

WHO launched its first global guide on the Essential Care Package for addressing mental health and stigma among people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

The guide equips health‑service leaders with evidence‑based interventions to:

✅ promote good mental health

✅ identify and assess mental health conditions in people living with NTDs

✅ manage and treat these conditions

✅ reduce stigma at individual, community and health‑system levels

Press release: bit.ly/45D1gki

Guide: bit.ly/49NAmJ0

MHMTID’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/mhmtid

TMYCSUK’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/tmycsuk

Bazaar’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/andibazaar

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

Andi Bazaar (Writer)

Mark J. Levstein (Co-Editor/Production Team)

Yevhn Gertz (Director of Photography)

dr Oliver Schofield MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Seth Gryffen MD (Consulting)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

Timothée Freimann schofield (Photographed/Co-writer)

Clayton Euridicé Schofield (Editor/Journalist)

Scott Wynné Schofield (Publicist)

Henrie Louis Friedrich (Analyst)

Jwan Hofflér Conwall (Art Interior Design)

Hugo Licharre Freimann (Ass Director/Co-writer)

Shot at GQ’s Studios by José Schenkkan and Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph

In appearance by “Emirawan Ash-Shiddiq Tendean” (Executive Production/Co-writer)

Thanks to, “Shawn McKenzie” (Production Team/Co-writer), Emmanuel Piero-luccá Schofield (Co-writer/Creative Production), and “Irawan Daeng Danuatmadja” (Production Team)

MHMTID In collaboration with The Me: You Can’t See (TMYCSUK) Community

“There is a misconception that recovery means complete removal of symptoms. In many cases, it is not the case in mental health. We consider recovery not being burdened by the symptoms and being able to manage them, while living a good quality of life as opposed to a cure.”

You don’t have to be “at rock bottom” to deserve support. If anxiety, trauma, depression, or substance use is affecting your daily life — even quietly — you can learn how to reconnect and rebuild from a place of compassion — not judgment!

There used to be a prevailing belief that a person needed to hit their lowest point or “rock bottom” before seeking help for addiction and entering drug rehab. But, our perspective has evolved. Waiting for someone to reach “rock bottom” may, in fact, lead to overdose or even death for some individuals, rather than serving as a mere realization that assistance is required.

That underscores the critical importance of intervening and seeking help for yourself or a loved one before reaching a point of irreparable harm.

THE PROBLEM WITH HITTING ROCK BOTTOM

There are many things wrong with the “hitting rock bottom” myth. Let’s look at a few shortfalls.

• No concrete definition. There is no definitive answer to what rock bottom is. It’s different for all individuals, which means some people can continue falling further than what we think.
• Includes a waiting period. Typically, family members wait for their loved one to hit rock bottom. While they wait, the addiction continues to wreak havoc on the family and gain more power over the user.
• Strips individuals of everything. The rock bottom mentality is that a person has to lose their resources (relationships, employment, housing, physical health, mental health) before they can be helped. By this point, the addict has many things to overcome.
• Harder to recover. When a person finally reaches their lowest point, they have a lot of work to do. The addiction is probably more severe and harder to treat, requiring more therapy and possibly dual diagnosis rehab in California.

RAISING THE BOTTOM: INTERVENE EARLY

It’s understandable where the rock bottom mentality came from, as it can be hard to help an addict who still has things going for them. It’s usually not until a person has lost everything that they realize they need help. Still, there are ways to intervene and encourage their loved ones to seek outpatient rehab.

“Raising the bottom” refers to getting someone the help they need so they don’t reach rock bottom. To do this, families need to do the following:

• Allow natural, negative consequences to occur (no enabling)
• Let the addict resolve their own conflicts
• Set and enforce healthy limits and boundaries
• Regularly discuss treatment options
• Support sobriety, not the addiction
• Provide transportation to doctor’s appointments
• Encourage therapy or a 12-step treatment center in Agoura Hills

NOT READY TO GET SOBER? INVOLUNTARY TREATMENT MAY BE AN OPTION

Another myth is that only voluntary treatment is effective. However, research shows that involuntary treatment can be just as effective. In certain situations, people in California can be entered into treatment, as long as they meet a set of requirements.

California is one of 37 states with involuntary commitment laws. Learn more about these laws in this article.

If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one, contact Awakenings Treatment Center today. Your call is free and confidential, and we can discuss your options for getting treatment before rock bottom hits.

True recovery from addiction isn’t about not using a substance. Many people transfer unaccepted addictions (drugs, alcohol) to more socially accepted ones (workaholism, relationship addiction)

“Addiction is a cycle. It’s a constant hit of adrenaline that comes from finding the substance and hiding it from others. It’s the cortisol highs and lows from the shame of using. The chaos of addiction allows someone using to avoid their own internal emotions and dark thoughts, temporarily.”

The internal hormonal response is also highly addictive. True recovery is emotional healing. It’s learning how to cope with intense emotions, how to manage triggers, and how to learn to feel safe in a calm, regulated body. Simply developing the awareness that there is an addiction at play is a game-changer.

Yes, you’re addicted to your phone.

Yes, you’re addicted to that snack.

Yes, you’re addicted to alcohol.

Key to processing it:

Understanding what the addiction tries to protect you from. Real key is self-awareness and knowing what’s bad addiction vs good addiction, and only you can know that. Drugs can be a way on journey, once you past that, you will truly realize how beautiful life is.

Addiction goes beyond just the substance itself, it’s mainly about the feelings we’re trying to dull or escape. As long as we react to emotions by automatically numbing or distracting ourselves, addiction will be present in some form.

The urge feels urgent, when it’s not. Its a sign that something emotionally isn’t being addressed. Don’t release the energy, use that energy to be self aware and extremely conscious in those moments. Almost like falling asleep on the road and being jolted awake. Use that alert.

Workaholism is the addiction that gets celebrated in companies. People get applauded when they work for 14–16 hours. They feel good because “they feel validated & liked by others.” — People drown themselves in work just to escape some other emotional pain and hurt.

“I’ve suffered from workaholism and I speak often about how corporations profit off of people being codependent, avoidant, and emotionally unhealthy.” — True. Corporations thrive on people’s insecurities, fears and unhealthy behaviours.

One can be addicted to the adrenaline and dopamine rush of anger to avoid owning, being aware of and of processing their emotions, dirty motives and unmet internal expectations of self and other. One can be addicted to just about anything in this world that provides distraction, disassociation, dopamine and adrenaline hits etc.

I like to think of addiction as the vent we breathe through while suffocating under the weight of severe pain. It’s like being stuck underwater surrounded by snorkels (addictions) and, instead of finding your way out, you desperately grab the nearest one.

I left my career a year ago. I’ve been in therapy and I still don’t know how to engage with work without it becoming an addictive coping mechanism. Working is necessary, but I’m still so prone to it becoming unhealthy that I can’t imagine going back into an office setting.

“Becoming emotionally independent is powerful, it’s when you stop needing constant re-assurance. Stop chasing validation, stop explaining yourself to people committed to misunderstanding you. You feel deeply, but you don’t collapse easily. That’s freedom.”

Daily trauma recovery looks like managing our time and money; talking back to cognitive distortions with patience and realism; taking time to stretch, move, rest, and care for our body; feeding and hydrating ourselves appropriately; and responding to “symptoms” with care and grace, not judgment.

This is the unglamorous truth: recovery is mostly logistics. Time, money, sleep, food, movement — then a calmer relationship with your own mind. Less “breakthrough”, more “maintenance.” Recovery isn’t a personality. It’s a routine. If you can manage your day, feed your body, move a little, and answer your mind with realism instead of drama, you’re already doing the work.

We were often taught to not put words to our pain, not because our pain wasn’t important, but because expressing it inconvenienced or threatened our abusers. Fast forward to now — putting words to our struggles and needs may feel “unnatural” due to our conditioning.

1. Self-compassion is a skill. It’s a skill we should have been taught by being shown compassion growing up — but if we were shown impatience or neglect growing up, we won’t be instinctively great at that skill. It’s okay, it’s just something to work on, not something to write off.
2. Self compassion is learned through healthy relationships filled with love. It’s difficult to love ourselves when those around us greeted us with shame and judgement.

THE REALITY OF MENTAL HEALTH NO ONE TALKS ABOUT

Mental health isn’t just feeling sad or anxious. It’s how you cope, think, and respond when life doesn’t go as planned. You can be functioning and productive while still struggling inside.

Healing isn’t linear. Some days you feel strong and clear; others, the weight returns without warning. That doesn’t mean you’re going backward, it means recovery moves in waves, not straight lines.

Mental health issues don’t always look dramatic. They can show up as exhaustion, irritability, numbness, or constant overthinking. Struggling quietly doesn’t make it less real.

Support helps, but it doesn’t fix everything. Friends, therapy, faith, and routines are tools, not instant cures. Eventually, you still have to do the internal work, even when you’re tired of trying.

There’s also guilt: guilt for not being “grateful enough,” strong enough, or healed enough. That pressure only makes things heavier. Mental health isn’t a competition, and pain doesn’t need justification.

The reality is this: taking care of your mental health is ongoing, not something you finish. If you’re still showing up, still trying, still breathing through hard days, you’re not weak. You’re doing something incredibly hard and necessary.

18 months on from attempting to take my own life, I’ve finally been discharged from Community Mental Health services this week! Living with mental illness is a lifelong challenge and I still await specialist services in the future, but this is a huge moment in my recovery journey.

This world is designed to drive people insane, to depress them into taking their own lives. Surviving is the best kind of resistance. May you thrive and find genuine happiness, no matter how awful the world is or becomes.

Prayer for Those Contemplating Suicide

“Heavenly Father, We lift up every soul who is standing at the edge of despair, wrestling with thoughts of suicide. You see each one, Lord — their pain, their loneliness, their silent cries in the dark. Your heart aches for them, and we ask that Your boundless love and mercy envelop them now. God of all comfort, break through the heaviness that weighs on their hearts. Where there is hopelessness, plant seeds of hope. Where there is darkness, shine Your radiant light. Whisper to them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made, that their life is precious, and that You have a purpose for them, even when they cannot see it. Surround them with Your angels, Lord, and with people who will show them kindness, understanding, and unwavering support. Open their eyes to the resources and help available — whether through loved ones, counselors, or communities of care. Give them the courage to reach out, to speak their pain, and to take one step toward healing. We rebuke the lies of the enemy that tell them they are alone, unworthy, or beyond redemption. Replace those lies with Your truth: that You are near to the brokenhearted, that Your grace is sufficient, and that You will never leave nor forsake them. Father, for those who feel they cannot go on, grant them strength to endure just one more moment, one more day. Lead them to a place of safety, restoration, and renewed purpose. May their stories become testimonies of Your redeeming love, drawing others to Your heart. We pray this in the powerful and compassionate name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

Your Brain Can Learn New Ways to Think and Feel

One of the most hopeful conversations in therapy is about neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to change. Many people believe “this is just how I am,” when in fact their brain has simply practised certain patterns for a long time. The image below beautifully shows how repeated thoughts and behaviours create strong pathways, and how interrupting them allows unhelpful patterns to slowly fade.

In simple terms:

↳ Every time you repeat a particular thought, feeling, or behaviour, you strengthen that neural pathway.

↳ Patterns you practise often become automatic, which is why anxious or self-critical thinking can feel so quick.

↳ When you gently interrupt those patterns and practise new, healthier responses instead, the old pathways weaken and new ones grow.

You are not stuck with the thoughts your brain learned under stress or pain — change is possible with consistent, compassionate practice.

“The more fucked up the world is, the more it needs us with a regulated nervous system and realistic trauma recovery blueprint, so we can effectively live our values and push back against the darkness out there. Personal recovery is a necessary and powerful tool in the cultural struggle.”

Now in recovery, I do various popular stress reduction tools and exercises and they actually work for me now, when normal everyday stressors happen. I can cope now with daily life. I can calm my nervous system, I can give myself positive self talk and that stuff works now.

Healing mental illness is not an over night process, honestly it can take years. Healing comes in layers. It takes being gentle with yourself and processing your pain. Once it’s processed it can be released.

Recovery = no constant anxiety, no constant guilt, no longing for an answer about the past, intrusive thoughts feel like feathers rather than bullets, intrusive thoughts feel the same as what you imagine someone without OCD experiences. It feels like a factory reset, you can achieve this!

There is a misconception that recovery means complete removal of symptoms. In many cases, it is not the case in mental health. We consider recovery not being burdened by the symptoms and being able to manage them, while living a good quality of life as opposed to a cure.

If you are suffering from overwhelming complex trauma symptoms such as: flashbacks, panic and anxiety attacks, chronic depression, dissociation, brain fog, self hatred, self-isolating, obsessive negative thoughts, etc. You can heal, there is hope for you.

MHMTID’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/mhmtid

TMYCSUK’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/tmycsuk

Bazaar’s page

https://www.linktr.ee/andibazaar

A SPECIAL THANKS TO

Andi Bazaar (Writer)

Mark J. Levstein (Co-Editor/Production Team)

Yevhn Gertz (Director of Photography)

dr Oliver Schofield, MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Seth Gryffen, MD (Consulting/Co-writer)

dr Khaan, MD (Consulting)

Timothée Freimann schofield (Photographed)

Clayton Euridicé Schofield (Editor/Journalist)

Scott Wynné Schofield (Publicist)

Henrie Louis Friedrich (Analyst)

Jwan Hofflér Conwall (Art Interior Design/Co-writer)

Hugo Licharre Freimann (Ass Director)

Shot at GQ’s Studios by José Schenkkan (Co-writer) and Benjamin Schenkkan Joseph

In appearance by “Emirawan Ash-Shiddiq Tendean” (Executive Production/Co-writer)

Thanks to, “Shawn McKenzie” (Production Team), “Emmanuel Pierro-luccá Freimann Schofield” (Co-writer/Creative Production), and “Irawan Daeng Danuatmadja” (Production Team)

MHMTID In collaboration with The Me: You Can’t See (TMYCSUK) Community